Halma performed strongly during the first half year, achieving record revenue and profit with growth in every sector and all geographic regions, the company said.

There was a clear change in demand levels at the start of 2010, with a step-up in order intake and greater month-to-month stability, Halma said.

For the half year ended Sept. 30, pretax profit from continuing operations increased 29 percent to 49.3 million pounds, as revenue rose 12 percent to 249.1 million pounds ($387.6 million).

Revenue at the company's Health & Analysis segment grew 22 percent on double-digit revenue growth in both the UK and the US as well as strong performances in Photonics, Fluid Technology and Water sub-sectors.

The company, which lifted its interim dividend by 7 percent to 3.54 pence, expects a much more evenly balanced split between first half and second half trading, saying market conditions are much steadier than they have been over the previous two years.

Halma said it continues to search for other high quality opportunities within its existing markets. Earlier this month, Halma acquired US company Alicat Scientific Inc. for $25.2 million. Alicat provides Halma with complementary technology for its Fluid Technology sub-sector.

Shares of Halma are trading 1.34 percent lower at 324.60 pence at 08:12 am GMT Tuesday on the London Stock Exchange.